New Outside Stairs
Has anyone installed the new stairs they have, for 5th/wheels to replace the old ones. I saw them at an R V Show last week. They seem very easy to install. Gray Fox
Forum Discussion
Fact is there is no perfect step. Any steps can have problems due to irregular or unlevel ground or tight quarters - the list goes on.
I didn't see it mentioned so will share for those considering solid steps - they now come with levers instead of pins to easily adjust the length of the legs. They also come with pins in the hinges so if the camper is too close to an obstruction the steps can be disconnected and removed. Not convenient, but certainly an improvement over being completely blocked out.
I have had steel steps with their blind rivet hinges give way under me - not a pleasant experience.
I've also seen four step Torklifts have problems due to ground slope - pretty common in state and federal parks.
Solid steps do need to be cleaned before stowing for travel.
Any step will collect dirt that gets tracked in on shoes and need to be cleaned periodically.
Any step with a deeper top step will feel safer to the user.
I used to be anti-solid step, but now that I've experienced them I've discovered that they are much easier to maintain than steps that are underneath the camper, and since they have fewer moving parts and are not exposed to the elements will traveling actually require less maintenance. I used to hate pulling folding steps out that were covered in road grime or ice.
I've had the rearmost set of folding steps drag the ground on poorly maintained roads.
There are pros and cons to every design but ultimately they all work pretty well.
Next topic: friction hinge doors vs. doors that require a latch to stay open. ;)
I didn't see it mentioned so will share for those considering solid steps - they now come with levers instead of pins to easily adjust the length of the legs. They also come with pins in the hinges so if the camper is too close to an obstruction the steps can be disconnected and removed. Not convenient, but certainly an improvement over being completely blocked out.
I have had steel steps with their blind rivet hinges give way under me - not a pleasant experience.
I've also seen four step Torklifts have problems due to ground slope - pretty common in state and federal parks.
Solid steps do need to be cleaned before stowing for travel.
Any step will collect dirt that gets tracked in on shoes and need to be cleaned periodically.
Any step with a deeper top step will feel safer to the user.
I used to be anti-solid step, but now that I've experienced them I've discovered that they are much easier to maintain than steps that are underneath the camper, and since they have fewer moving parts and are not exposed to the elements will traveling actually require less maintenance. I used to hate pulling folding steps out that were covered in road grime or ice.
I've had the rearmost set of folding steps drag the ground on poorly maintained roads.
There are pros and cons to every design but ultimately they all work pretty well.
Next topic: friction hinge doors vs. doors that require a latch to stay open. ;)
